Easy Vegan Pesto Recipe 

 Last Update March 6, 2024

By Jenny Zhang

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In the realm of versatile and mouthwatering sauces, few can rival the exquisite delight of pesto. This vibrant green condiment originates from Italy and has won food enthusiasts' hearts and taste buds worldwide. Traditionally made with a combination of fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, pesto offers a burst of flavors that can transform even the simplest dishes into culinary masterpieces.

But what if you're following a vegan lifestyle or simply looking to explore plant-based alternatives? Fear not! Embracing a vegan diet doesn't mean compromising on taste. In fact, vegan pesto opens a whole new world of possibilities, offering a creative and compassionate twist to this beloved sauce.

Whether you're a seasoned vegan or simply curious about exploring plant-based options, this blog will guide you through the process of making vegan basil pesto from scratch. We'll share tips, tricks, and ingredient substitutions to help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors while staying true to your dietary preferences.

Easy Vegan Pesto Recipe

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
5 minutes

Rest Time
0 minutes

Total Time
15 minutes

  • Cooking Method: N/A
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Courses: Sauce
  • Best Season: Any

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Begin by toasting the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they become golden brown and emit a delightful nutty fragrance. Subsequently, take them off the heat and allow them to cool.

2. Incorporate the toasted pine nuts, basil leaves, minced garlic, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice into a food processor, blender, or immersion blender cup. Pulse the mixture several times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped and well-blended.

pesto blender

3. Gradually pour the olive oil in a steady stream while the food processor or blender is in operation. This helps emulsify the pesto and create a smooth consistency. Keep blending until the mixture achieves the texture that suits your preference.

4. Sample the pesto and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a final blend to incorporate the seasoning.

5. Move the vegan pesto sauce into a jar or airtight container for storage. If you're not using it immediately, cover the surface of the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation and preserve its vibrant green color. You can refrigerate it for up to one week for storage.


Tips & Notes

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: Since pesto relies heavily on the flavor of fresh basil, make sure to use vibrant, fragrant leaves. Additionally, opt for raw cashews or pine nuts that are not stale or rancid, as they can impact the overall taste of the sauce.

Toast the nuts: Toasting the cashews or pine nuts before blending them adds a delightful nuttiness and enhances their flavor. Make sure to monitor them closely during the toasting process, as they tend to burn quickly. Stir them frequently and remove them from heat once they turn golden brown.

Adjust the consistency: For a thicker pesto sauce, reduce the amount of olive oil. Conversely, incorporate a little more oil if you desire a creamier texture. Adjust the quantity according to your preference and the intended purpose of the sauce.

Nutritional Facts

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4


Calories

250


% Daily Value*


Total Fat 24.6g

32%


Saturated Fat 2.7g

13%


Cholesterol 0mg

0%


Sodium 4mg

0%


Total Carbohydrate 6.9g

3%


Dietary Fiber 2.5g

9%


Total Sugars 1g



Protein 5.3g



Vitamin D 0mcg

0%


Calcium 36mg

3%


Iron 2mg

14%


Potassium 286mg

6%


*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.


What Ingredients You Need To Make Vegan Pesto Sauce

Fresh Basil Leaves

Basil is a fragrant herb that is widely used in Italian cuisine. Its unique fragrance and taste bring the pesto sauce a refreshing and subtly sweet element. The bright green color of the basil leaves is visually appealing and signifies freshness and vibrancy in the dish.

Raw Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are commonly used in pesto recipes as they provide a creamy texture and contribute to the overall richness of the sauce. Alternatively, cashews or other types of nuts can be used as well. Cashews taste slightly buttery, while pine nuts have a delicate and slightly resinous flavor. They add a subtle nuttiness that complements the basil and other ingredients.

Garlic

Garlic is an essential component in numerous savory dishes, pesto sauce included. Its pungent and savory flavor infuses the sauce with depth and complexity. Garlic releases its unique aroma when minced or crushed, adding a distinctive kick to the pesto.

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast, a deactivated yeast, is commonly utilized as a vegan alternative to cheese. It has a savory, cheesy, and slightly nutty flavor, bringing an umami element to the pesto sauce. Nutritional yeast is also a great source of B vitamins and protein, making it a nutritious addition to the recipe.

Lemon Juice

The tartness of freshly squeezed lemon juice imparts a zesty and vibrant touch to the pesto sauce. It aids in harmonizing the richness of the nuts and oil while elevating the overall flavors. The natural citric acid in lemon juice also acts as a preservative, helping to maintain the vibrant green color of the basil.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is a key ingredient in pesto, providing a smooth and velvety texture to the sauce. Extra virgin olive oil, obtained from the initial pressing of olives, is renowned for its fragrant fruitiness and robust flavor. It not only adds richness but also brings its own unique character to the pesto.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper play indispensable roles as seasonings, amplifying the flavors of the remaining ingredients in the pesto sauce. Salt aids in harmonizing the tastes and accentuating the natural flavors of the basil and nuts. On the other hand, freshly ground black pepper contributes a touch of spiciness and intricate depth to the sauce.

How To Elevate Vegan Pesto Sauce

Roasted Garlic

Rather than using raw garlic, consider roasting the garlic cloves before incorporating them into the pesto. Roasting garlic mellows its flavor, giving it a sweet and caramelized taste. Roasted garlic adds depth and complexity to the sauce, making it even more irresistible.

Toasted Seeds

Add a crunchy element to your pesto by toasting a variety of seeds, such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds. Toasting the seeds enhances their nutty flavors and adds a delightful texture to the sauce. You can either replace some of the nuts with seeds or include them alongside the nuts for a unique twist.

Fresh Herbs

While basil is the classic herb used in pesto, don't be afraid to experiment with other fresh herbs to add complexity and depth to your sauce. Consider incorporating herbs like parsley, cilantro, mint, or even arugula. Combining different herbs can create exciting flavor profiles and add a unique touch to your vegan pesto.

Citrus Zest

Enhance the brightness of the pesto by adding citrus zest to the mixture. Grate the zest of a lemon, lime, or orange and mix it in with the other ingredients. The citrus zest adds a burst of fresh and tangy flavor, elevating the overall taste of the pesto.

Nutritional Boosters

Incorporate nutritional powerhouses like flaxseed meal, hemp seeds, or chia seeds to give your pesto an extra dose of nutrients. These ingredients boast high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Adding them not only enhances the nutritional profile of the sauce but also adds a subtle nutty flavor and interesting texture.

Dried or Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Include dried or sun-dried tomatoes in your pesto sauce for a savory and intense twist. These tomatoes have a concentrated flavor that adds depth and a slightly tangy note to the sauce. Prior to adding them to the blender or food processor, soak them in warm water to soften.

How to store Leftover pesto

Once your pesto is prepared, transfer it to a clean, airtight container. Opt for glass jars or containers with a secure lid when storing pesto, ensuring the container is clean and dry before introducing the sauce.

To maintain the vibrant green hue of the pesto and prevent oxidation, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the sauce. This creates a barrier that seals out air and helps maintain freshness. Make sure the pesto is completely covered with oil, leaving no air gaps.

Put the container of vegan pesto in the refrigerator, as the cool temperature aids in extending its shelf life and preserving its flavors. When stored correctly, vegan pesto can generally remain fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

If you wish to store the pesto for an extended duration, freezing is a suitable option. Portion the pesto into smaller airtight containers or ice cube trays for convenience and make pesto cubes. When you're ready to use it, thaw the pesto in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and be sure to give it a thorough stir before serving.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Pesto Vegan?

Traditional pesto sauce commonly incorporates Parmesan cheese, derived from animal milk, rendering it unsuitable for a vegan diet. However, with a few modifications, pesto can easily be made vegan-friendly. In a vegan pesto recipe, the Parmesan cheese is omitted or replaced with a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast, which provides a similar cheesy flavor. The remaining ingredients—such as basil, garlic, nuts or seeds, olive oil, and lemon juice—are all plant-based. By substituting or omitting animal-derived ingredients, vegan pesto can be enjoyed by those following a vegan lifestyle.

Can I use a different nut instead of cashews or pine nuts?

Certainly, feel free to explore various nuts like almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds to craft your own vegan pesto. Each nut will bring its unique flavor profile to the sauce, so feel free to explore and find your preferred combination.

Is nutritional yeast necessary for vegan pesto?

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy and slightly nutty flavor to the pesto, mimicking the taste of Parmesan cheese. Nevertheless, if you don't have nutritional yeast on hand or choose to exclude it, rest assured that you can still create a delightful vegan pesto without it. The other ingredients will contribute their own flavors, resulting in a tasty sauce.

Can I freeze vegan pesto?

Absolutely, you can freeze vegan pesto for extended storage. Divide the pesto into smaller airtight containers or ice cube trays, leaving some space at the top to accommodate expansion. When ready to use, thaw the pesto in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and give it a stir before serving.

Can I use lemon juice instead of olive oil to make a lower-fat pesto?

While olive oil contributes to the texture and richness of pesto, you can experiment with using a bit more lemon juice or even a splash of water to reduce the amount of oil in the recipe. This can result in a lighter and lower-fat version of vegan pesto.

Can I make nut-free pesto?

Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer to abstain from nuts entirely, you can replace them with toasted seeds such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They provide a similar nutty texture and can be a delicious alternative.

Can I use vegan pesto for cooking or baking?

Vegan pesto can be a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking. It is perfect for a classic vegan pesto pasta or a delicious pesto pasta salad. But it can also be used as a sauce for pizza, spread on sandwiches or wraps, mixed into dips, or added to roasted vegetables and grain bowls. It can also be thinned out with additional oil and used as a salad dressing.


Jenny passionately advocates a holistic and natural approach to health and well-being. She has a Bachelor of Science degree and years of working in food sciences, specializing in organic & natural products. She is committed to helping others embrace a balanced, natural lifestyle that fosters well-being. Jenny believes that a harmonious balance between nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness is the key to unlocking the full potential of one’s well-being.